Daimler Truck significantly increases profit – US business drives growth

In the third quarter of this year, Daimler Truck’s profit increased by a remarkable 73 percent. Group earnings rose from €407 million in the previous year’s quarter to €702 million.

The DAX group, based in Leinfelden-Echterdingen near Stuttgart, attributed the positive development to a recovering market environment. Karin Rådström, Chairwoman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, emphasized: “It is particularly important that we have improved our profitability while remaining fully focused on our customers worldwide.”

The turnover increased from €10.55 billion to approximately €12.58 billion, representing an increase of 19 percent. Operating profit (Ebit) rose by 89 percent from €553 million to over one billion euros.

Compared to the weak period of the previous year, Daimler Truck sold significantly more vehicles in the third quarter – 91,260 units, which represents an increase of 26 percent. Particular emphasis should be placed on the strong growth in North America, where sales increased by more than half, after having collapsed last year due to tariffs from former US President Donald Trump.

Following a profit decline of 34 percent in 2023, the company even recorded a 72 percent drop in group earnings in the first six months of this year. After nine months, Daimler Truck shows a deficit of 30 percent.

To increase competitiveness, Daimler Truck initiated the “Cost Down Europe” savings program last year. By 2030, current costs in Europe are to be reduced by more than one billion euros, resulting in the elimination of approximately 5,000 jobs in Germany, primarily in the Mercedes-Benz brand area. Savings are also planned in North America.

The group confirmed its forecast for the full year 2026 and continues to expect an adjusted return on sales in the industrial business of seven to nine percent.

Despite the significant increase in profits, Daimler Truck came under pressure on the stock market. The share price temporarily fell by 8.3 percent, reaching its lowest level since the beginning of the year. A trader told Reuters that a strong balance sheet had already been expected and may not be sufficient for investors.